Smiths Falls on economic fast-track. View from Victoria Park, Smiths Falls. PHOTO BY thewedge.LIVE

By MAGGIE M, Editor, thewedge.LIVE (video below)

The Town’s engagement in economic development is at full-throttle in Smiths Falls. The Town has just re-launched its brand and website. Its council and executives are putting revitalization on a fast-track, accelerating business growth. Local magnates are investing in rebuilding. The Hotel Rideau is returning to its former splendor. The Saumures continue the resurrection of the County Fair Mall after saving it from the wrecking ball. The Taylors are transforming the Davidson Courtyard into a retail oasis. The Cinnamons are filling vacant stores on Russell Street with progressive tenants. Tweed will soon outpace Hershey’s as a local employer. The Downtown Business Association is bristling with new energy at the hands of new Board Members. The head of its Chamber of Commerce is a tireless promoter worthy of a medal. That’s off the top of my head.

There’s a new Smiths Falls in the potter’s hands.

Take  Meraki Collective. While urban centres are the first estate of co-working groups, Jessica Webster, who hails from San Diego, California, and her partner, Jeff Depatie, placed their business in Smiths Falls, smack-dab in the middle of rural East Ontario. Entrepreneurs will drive up to an hour to find a like-minded community toiling for economic and creative freedom in myriad ventures.

Co-working groups are somewhat misunderstood; but, they are a current business model for our times. Overhead is no longer a profit-crushing anvil. Loneliness and isolation for those operating from home is no longer a necessity. So much struggle comes to an end.

Sumptuous decor, full kitchen and bar at Meraki Collective. PHOTO BY thewedge.LIVE

At Meraki, the digs are comfortable and beautifully appointed. It offers a conference room, a podcasts facility, a workshop stage, multiple workstations, wifi, a kitchen, lockers, parking, in the middle of Smiths Falls.

Enjoy the video of their launch night, Maggie M hosting the talk. Hear the words of the Town’s Mayor to grasp the pace, the growth that is afoot.